what's the difference between the "farmer" and "peasant"here?
Interregional and international trade increased during the late imperial period, making independent farmers of peasants who had before then been basically unaffected by market relationships.

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Due to increased trade, people who were formerly peasants were able to become independent farmers.

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It seems to be a mistake, "farmers of peasants" doesn't really make sense. It might make sense if it read "farmers or peasants". In this example I think independent farmers would be defined as small scale agriculture businesses sending produce to local markets. Peasants would be family based subsistence farmers, maybe being able to sell or trade excess crops.

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